Celebrations of Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Champions League triumph quickly gave way to scenes of violence across France, with nearly 900 arrests, 180 injured police officers and one death. The unrest has reopened a familiar political fault line: how to protect public celebrations without allowing disorder to take over.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory should have been a moment of national celebration. Instead, it has once again plunged France into a heated debate over public order after widespread violence erupted during festivities across Paris and several other cities.
According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, nearly 900 people were arrested nationwide following the final, a figure 45% higher than during last year’s celebrations. Authorities also reported around 180 injured police officers, while incidents included looting, vandalism, vehicles set on fire and clashes with law enforcement.
President Emmanuel Macron, who welcomed the victorious team to the Élysée Palace on Sunday, praised PSG as an “immense pride” for France but condemned what he described as “unspeakable” violence.
“This is not football, this is not sport, this is not what we love,” he declared.
